Innovation Pump
America Needs More
Scientists and Engineers
Col. Jason J. Denney, USAF
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60%
50%
with Chinas growth at 9 percent, dwarfing all other countries, including the United
States, whose S&T investment decreased
by 6 percent. The U.S. output of native-born
S&E talent is a major contributor to this strategic dilemma.
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cent between 2001 and 2004. The United States must reverse
this trend to maintain its innovative edge.
Policy Recommendations
K-12 Education
Create a national standard for math and science education.
High standards improve teaching and learning. The time has
come for the adoption of national math and science standards.
Algebra is algebra and photosynthesis is photosynthesis, no
matter what your zip code is; therefore, a national math and
science standardbased on the broad inputs of educators,
elected officials, federal agencies, community and business
leaders, and experts in pedagogyis the natural starting point
to focus other math and science education reforms.
Improve STEM education. By developing programs that demonstrate the practical uses of math and science, the government can generate interest in STEM careers and support
students interested in these programs through governmentfunded fellowships, thus providing a steady stream of S&E
talent.
Establish a rigorous and challenging math and science curriculum. According to former Assistant Secretary of Education
Susan Sclafani, the strongest predictor of completing a STEM
degree is a rigorous high school math and science curriculum.
Conclusions
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